Ending on a High Note

Ending on a High Note

            A conductor walks across a stage, leading the students before him into song. Another man steps in soon after the conductor begins, declaring the students can sing a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach while using solfège, hand symbols that depict the pitches being sung.

            The conductor stares for a while, shaking his head in doubt as he expresses his concern. If it is a Texan choir, it is possible, he reassures the conductor as the audience applauds him. The conductor, Dr. Alan McClung, finally agrees to this proposal. He raises his hands to signal a start and then leads the students into song.

            This was but only a small portion of what took place at the All-State High School Choir Camp’s annual concert on Saturday, July 11, at the Winspear Performance Hall of the Murchison Performance Arts Center, meant to showcase the progress of students enrolled in the program.

The annual camp brings together students from various high schools in order to train them in reading, understanding, and performing pieces used in auditions for the upcoming year. Beyond this, it also serves as a learning opportunity for all involved, including counselors, teachers and students from the University of North Texas.

Section leaders learn from a selected clinician, Dr. Steve Zilke of Oregon State University this year, while counselors learn from choir teachers, and administrative assistants gain experience in organizing and running camps from their conception.

“I work this camp because it continues to teach me a whirlwind of life lessons! Time management, organization, leadership, professionalism, parent-teacher relationships, finances, confidence, and the importance of always being three steps ahead of every situation, the list could go on forever,” said Camp Registrar Cody Alarcon, who is also serving his first term as Head Counselor after three years of working with UNT camps.

Despite the title of a choir camp, other events are held within the program to boost team-building skills and display the diversity of the students, including dances, talent shows, and scavenger hunts.

To further help the streamlining of this camp, the staff is comprised entirely of musically oriented individuals. Choir teachers and professors join music theory and music education major students from UNT to ensure the music remains top priority.

“They’re really involved with the campers and want to make it fun for all the high schoolers who’re coming in. It provides a personal experience for the camper. Students work very hard learning all the music, so they have a pretty good head start on other students who don’t go to camp at all,” said Sienna Riehle, a third-year counselor, and former attendee of the camp.

Information on next year’s camp is available through the Denton ISD homepage, www.DentonISD.org, including information on dates, fees, contact information, and an application for those who wish to attend.